Presentation design is
an important skill to develop as it can have drastic effects on the influence
over its audience. Not only that, but the presenter must be able to present in
an effective manner as well. There are two major aspects that cover good
presentation design and that’s telling a good story and simplicity over
complexity.
The first of two good
presentation designs is the ability to tell a story. Garr Reynolds mentions
that “the best presenters illustrate their points with the use of stories.” (Reynolds, 2013) This is often a
great way to be able to explain really complex ideas in a more easily digested
form. This helps with memory retention and ideas have a much more lasting
outcome. Nancy Duarte, during a TED conference, says that “the way that ideas
are conveyed the most effectively is through story.” (Duarte, 2011) This shows that a second reputable
source is in agreement with Garr Reynolds and how big the impact can truly be
when a presentation is done in story form. This is why the ability to tell a
story is so important in good presentation design.
The second form of
good presentation design is the simplicity of the design. As Garr Reynolds
would recommend, “the best slides may have no text at all.” (Reynolds,
2013)
This shows that he believes that slides with huge walls of text are a turn off
for most audiences. The importance of the slides are to supplement the story of
the presenter not replace it. “The slides themselves were never meant to be the
‘star of the show,’” as Garr Reynolds mentions again. (Reynolds,
2013)
This shows that the emphasis of the presentation is on the presenter
him/herself and not on the slides. Simplicity is a key to good presentation
design.
The two major aspects
that cover good presentation design is the ability to tell a good story and to
make the design of presentations as simple as possible. This creates an easier
connection with the audience which in turn allows for the easier transfer of
complex ideas. Stories are often seen as a means of sharing ideas and keeping
them alive.
References
Duarte, N. (2011, Mar 7). Nancy
Duarte talks at TEDx East. Retrieved from YouTube:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UfQF3DXG-S4
Reynolds, G. (2013). How to Design
& Deliver Presentations Like a Pro. Retrieved from Presentation Zen:
http://www.garrreynolds.com/Presentation/pdf/presentation_tips.pdf
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